FAQ

The cost for someone who is new to Medicare Part B was changed to $164.90 per month.

If you qualify for the Extra Help program, Social Security Administration will automatically enroll you into a Prescription Drug Plan with a private insurance company.

Your Medicare Card will have a Part A effective date and also Part B effective date. Part A refers to your Hospital coverage and typically has no monthly premium. Part B provides your Medical coverage and the monthly premium is $164.90 per month. You have hospital and skilled nursing care starting on your Part A effective date, and medical services such as doctor’s appointments and urgent care starting on your Part B effective date.

Approximately 3 months before your Medicare Part B effective date begins. If you haven’t received it by then or have lost it, call 1-800-633-4227 to order a new one.

Once your Part A Medicare becomes effective you will lose any of the premium tax credits or reduced cost-sharing you previously had. It is a better option to cancel your Affordable Care Act plan after you are enrolled in Medicare.

Usually within approximately 30 days of receiving your Notice of Award you will also receive your Medicare Card.

Some people will qualify for Medicaid while waiting on their Medicare effective date. In California, individuals with an income of $20,124 per year or less will automatically qualify. However, you may still qualify even if your income is over that amount by meeting your Spend Down (Excess Income or Surplus Income).

If you don’t qualify for Medicaid, you may be eligible for a plan through the Affordable Care Act with premium tax credits and reduced cost-sharing.

Typically Medicare begins 29 months after your Onset Date. This includes the 5 month waiting period between your Onset Date and the start of your SSDI payments and then another 24 months of receiving those payments before your Medicare begins. For those with ALS or ESRD, your Medicare benefits will begin as soon as your SSDI payments begin.